Photos: 2012 - A Year of Cars
Banger racers
Credit: Getty Images
SWAFFHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Banger racers compete during a heat in the all Cortina banger race meeting to mark the car’s 50th anniversary at Swaffham Raceway on July 22, 2012 in Norfolk, England. Over 150 banger racers from all over the UK, Holland, Belguim and Ireland entered cars that represented the entire model’s production run. First built in September 1962, production was over 5 marks and 20 years with the last one rolling off the Dagenham production line on July 22 1982, exactly 30 years ago to the day of the Swaffham race meeting. The best selling Cortina, bought as both a family and fleet car, was once a very common sight on British roads and during the 1980s and 1990s also became very popular with banger racers. However due to its scarcity now, it is likely that Swaffham Raceway has hosted its first and also its last all Cortina banger race meeting. Banger racing is a popular contact motorsport, especially in the UK and Ireland - in which drivers of old and scrap vehicles race against one another around a dirt or tarmac race track, while deliberately attempting to destroy opposing vehicles. Some vehicle enthusiasts have objected to banger racing claiming it is responsible for the destruction of countless classic cars, such as old Rovers, Jaguars, and Fords. However many banger racers argue that the old cars they race are fit only for the scrap yard and are well beyond economic repair. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
